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Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – the TranzAlpine – before taking to the road in your rental car and exploring a region famed for its wild natural beauty. You’ll discover natural wonders like the Pancake Rocks & Blowholes at Punakaiki and drive on a spectacular coastal highway. There are ancient glaciers to walk on, a rich history to learn about and wilderness walks that take you past clear blue pools, across swing bridges and into a pristine native forest.

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Recommended experiences in Canterbury

Take the scenic TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, a journey truly worthy of Instagram and full of amazing contrasts – from pastoral scenes and dry tussock of the Canterbury Plains to the majesty of the Southern Alps and the lush rainforest of West Coast.

That afternoon, collect your rental car from the Greymouth Railway Station and head north on The Great Coast Road to Punakaiki to see the ancient pancake rock formations – a true natural wonder.

Highlights

RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES IN WEST COAST

Continue north to Westport to experience the magic of Oparara, born from a million years of undisturbed isolation within the rainforest of Kahurangi National Park. The arches can even be found on maps that date back to the 1880s. Height restrictions apply at the entrance of Oparara Road, affecting campervans. Alternate transport can be arranged at at the Karamea Information Centre and Rongo Backpackers.

There’s more history to be discovered on The Old Ghost Road track, still displaying relics from a bygone mining era. Adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the thrills that await them below the surface at UnderWorld Adventures.

Day 3: Westport to Hokitika

discoverhidden lakes& natural gems

Lake Brunner, West Coast

Von Fraser Clements

West Coast

A region with rich mining history, top hops & pristine lakes

Highlights

Reefton's gold mining history

Pristine Lake Brunner

Craft beer at Monteith's Brewing Company

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By car:
Westport to Hokitika

By car:
2hrs | 140km

Drive south towards Hokitika, soaking in the rich mining heritage of this region. Your first stop is Reefton, a town renowned for its gold-mining heritage and also as being the first in the Southern Hemisphere to receive commercial electricity. Then head to the stunning Lake Brunner for brown trout fishing before celebrating your fishing wins at Monteith’s Brewing Company for the finest quality craft beers.

Hokitika Gorge Walk, West Coast

Highlights

Arahura Greenstone Tours

West Coast Wilderness Trail

Hokitika Gorge Walk - an NZMustDo

Entfernung

By car:
To Hokitika Gorge

By car:
30min | 33km

Stay in the area for more of history, culture and unspoilt nature. Arahura Greenstone Tours is a fantastic way to hear the legends and people who’ve shaped this land, and visit a river that’s a source of the precious pounamu. For those who like active pursuits, the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail and the Hokitika Gorge Walk with its blue-green waters a must-do.

Blue Pools, Haast, West Coast

Highlights

Lake Matheson Walk

Haast Blue Pools & Nature Walk

Glacier Hot Pools

Entfernung

By car:
Franz Josef to Haast

By car:
2hrs | 144km

Continue your explorations of Glacier Country today. Visit Lake Matheson, nestled within ancient forest and renowned for its reflection of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Then continue your journey to Haast, located in the heart of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, renowned for its legendary landscape, river safaris, and fur seal and penguin colonies. Finish the day with a dip at Glacier Hot Pools - hot pools in the middle of a rainforest.

Next day depart for your next New Zealand adventure, returning to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine from Gremouth or continuing south to Wanaka and Queenstown.

Getting Around

Getting around West Coast is easy with familiar road signs and a great range of transport options available.